Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more,Or close the wall up with our English dead!In peace there s nothing so becomes a manAs modest stillness and humility;But when the blast of war blows in our ears,Then imitate the action of the tiger:Stiffen the sinews, summon up the blood.

The hum of either army stilly sounds,That the fixed sentinels almost receiveThe secret whispers of each others watch;Fire answers fire, and through their paly flamesEach battle sees the others umbered face;Steed threatens steed, in high and boastful neighsPiercing the nights dull ear, and from the tentsThe armourers, accomplishing the knights,With busy hammers closing rivets up,2Give dreadful note of preparation.